Webinar: Live at the virtual barbershop: Building family resilience by supporting Black fathers

Join us at the virtual barbershop as we talk about life ... REAL life. Being Black in America means many things, but one of the most prevalent issues is experiencing racism daily on multiple fronts. From standard microaggressions on up through direct confrontations, the men who'll be waiting on their haircuts at our barbershop have experienced it all.  

Discussion Topic

Black fathers are often not considered to be productive and engaged in their families and communities by the social sector. In fact, the dominant white society commonly frames Black men through the lens of father absence rather than as an essential presence in most families. 

Research shows that Black fathers who actively participate in their families' lives provide a stable and steady source of physical, social, and emotional support. However, the marginalization and dismissive attitudes and actions toward Black fathers can impede the positive contributions of these men in their children's lives. Leaders from the social sector must therefore adopt and champion an equitable lens and a strengths-based perspective of Black fathers in their programs, policies, and advocacy.

Join African-American men who are leaders in the social sector as they explore the phenomenon of the “missing Black father” and identify the positive ways that men contribute to the resilience of Black families.

This conversation is just one in a four-part Live at the Barbershop series. Register to join us for these other topics:

Leading Positive Change amid Social and Political Unrest
March 26 from 1-2 p.m. CT

Addressing COVID-19 Disparities and the Vaccine Rollout
April 30 from 1-2 p.m. CT

Building Family Resilience by Supporting Black Fathers
June 11 from 1-2 p.m. CT

Supporting Black Students in the Classroom
Aug. 27 from 1-2 p.m. CT

The barbershop is one of a few safe places where black men feel very comfortable in having candid conversations on just about anything. All over America, the barbershop continues to serve as a second home and place of refuge, healing, and compassion for black men.

This virtual space will feature several black male executives from around the country, sharing their perspectives and recommendations on how to increase the number of African American males in leadership positions at human services organizations. Just like in any barbershop, anyone is welcome to drop in at any time based on their availability and interest. 

What You'll Take Away

• Research on the positive and essential role of Black men in their children’s lives and with family resilience
• How and why societal misperceptions persist around Black fathers’ involvement and support of their families 
• Strengths-based and nonracist examples of programs, policies, and advocacy with and for Black fathers 

Who Should Join

• Like the barbershop, all are welcome

Who'll Be at the Barbershop

The Barber

• Dr. Undraye P. Howard, The Barber, Senior Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Engagement at the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities

Waiting on a Haircut

• Raphael Holloway, MA, CEO, Gateway Center in Atlanta, GA
• Reyahd D.J. Kazmi, Esq., Director of Business and Government Strategies, National Youth Advocate Program in Columbus, OH
• Jesse McLean, MA, Executive Director of Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio, Pressley Ridge in Pittsburgh, PA
• Julius Mullen Sr., PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, Children & Families First of Delaware
• Claude A. Robinson Jr., Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Diversity, UCAN in Chicago, IL
• Jonathan Palmer, Executive Director, Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul, MN
• George Winn, MA, COO, The Children's Center in Detroit, MI

Questions about this webinar should be directed to Dr. Undraye P. Howard "The Barber" senior director of equity, diversity, and inclusion and engagement at the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.